China unveiled the COMAC C-919
 

China unveils the COMAC C-919
Hong Kong, China - It will be Airbus and Boeing's rival

(WAPA) - China unveiled today the COMAC C-919 that will be the largest airliner built in the country, during the "Asian Aerospace 2009" air show underway in Hong Kong from today until Thursday September 10 (see AVIONEWS). This aircraft demonstrates China's intention to heavily enter the commercial aviation sector.

This airplane aims to break the current duopoly Boeing-Airbus concerning large airliners. "We still have a long way to go in comparison with those aviation industry superpowers such as the USA", COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) assistant general manager explained.

According to the manufacturer, the new airplane will carry from 168 to 190 passengers and its first flight is expected to take place in 2014. First deliveries are scheduled for 2016. COMAC also announced that by 2009 it will chose the supplier for the engines of the new aircraft.


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The Chinese are coming! The Chinese are coming!

Eh, I'm hesitant to get on an Airbus.

I don't think the Chinese have the track record to break into the U.S. domestic market just yet. Maybe in 10-20 years.

Embraer on the other hand, love 'em!

30 years ago, we've heard about the same...Airbus is coming ! Airbus is coming !

I wouldn't under estimate the determination of the Chinese. It is not an immediate threat, but it would be foolish for US corporate leaders to do nothing. Not just the aviation industry.

Well, their airports are a lot nicer than ours. And their current fleet are all new Airbus and Boeing planes. Domestic flying in China is such a nicer experience than in the U.S. Flight attendants are gorgeous, young and not fat, all women.

Ho my lord...I need to go flying there....:D

I think they will have their factories busy fufilling domestic demand. Boeing and AB will suffer from lost sales to the fastest growing air travel region in the world.

They have male attendants too, but agree that their service is top notch. They actually treat customers as customers. I was just on a flight from Shanghai to Beijing today, checked in, went through security and at the gate in 15mins. Took off on time, arrived early. Their TSA also do not have a power trip attitude and treat passengers respectfully.

US attendants generally treat their customers like cattle and have piss poor attitudes. Heard one refer to coach as the slave cabin.

I also had a great experience flying in and out of Hong Kong and inside China as well. And yes, the flight attendants are nice looking. I younger, I really dislike the late middle age slightly over weight attendents that like to give you $hit. You know the type that has something to proof.

Back to China, you know they were world power many time over over the years so take notice and watch out for them. don't let the ball drop this time like the car industury.

The one time I got some extra security inspection in Xi'an, they were also super respectful and careful with my luggage. There are plenty of other areas in Chinese life where everyone is treated like cattle. But air travel is a real pleasure there. Airport prices on everything are way more than they are here. Never saw a male flight attendant there. I've heard it's one of the most sought after and competitive jobs in China.

With the way other Chinese products absolutely fall apart within days of purchase, there's no damn way in hell i'd ever fly on a Chinese airplane.

I did see a couple of male attendants on their international flight, but rare I guess. I think we should let the Chinese keep things that way.

Cattles? Heve you try riding in their trains in what they call Hard Seat class. More like regular or 3rd class. You actually have to fight to get throught gate. I did this when I was in my late 20s and that was when the country really allow western travellers into China. What an experience. All the 3rd class travellers were nice except for the cultural differences. I had a time magazine and an architectural mag with me, and that was a big hit. They actrually passed it around the train. Many have not seen an English book of magazine. Now, the soft seat or 1st class is where the officals and the wealthy folks go. they would not step foot into the 3rd class cars. They rather go through 2 cars to buy food instead walking through one door into the 3rd class food car, if you could call it that.

Sorry to go off topic.

I am shock no one's said anything negative so far?

Oh, somebody beat me to it.

Keep in mind that the products that fall apart are the ones US retailers specify and bring to market at huge margins. You can't blame the Chinese for giving the customer what they want.

I'll contemplate that the next time i pay a few dollars extra by choice to fly on a US built aircraft.

Most crashes are due to pilot error and you'll be just as dead on a mechanically sound plane with an overworked, underpaid cockpit crew that crashes.

Why is it so hard for people to understand that?

You'll be alone...like TV screen...cars...cloth...furnitures...you want more...?

Could this even fly in the U.S.?

Does it meet U.S. standards for parts traceability?